As a web design company, eCommerce websites can be a great client. Not only do you get to work on a variety of items, but potentially build a relationship that grows with their company. However, as eCommerce firms are looking for specific qualities out of their website, it’s important to learn what they’re after and how you can help; which is why we’re offering a few helpful tips on how to get started. Check them out below:
Know How You Can Help Them Make Money From Day One
If you’re going to be locking down more eCommerce stores, then you need to know how you can help them make money from the jump. According to RJMetrics, over 110,000 eCommerce stores generate over $1,000,000 in revenue, which you should make it a goal to add one of those to your resume. However, making millions is an easy sell, it’s the getting to that point which is much more difficult.
One of the first items you should put together is a one-pager explaining the work you’ve done for other eCommerce stores, honing in on the specifics of a case study. For example, if I had experience with dropshipping suppliers, helping them with a design flow that landed sales, then I should showcase the metrics I use to do it. Showing a diverse range of experiences like this will not only maximize the types of clients you could land but also name your price per the kind of gig you’re trying to take on. Finally, if you don’t exactly have any eCommerce experience but still want to showcase your skills to clients, perhaps relay some UX flow pieces or other design work that can showcase how your expertise can help.
Conduct Some Content Marketing
Beyond just your portfolio, knowing how you’ll receive some inbound traffic is going to be crucial as well. Even if you’re not the best writer in the world, producing content is still an excellent way to bring on new clients. Plus, it’s known to have an excellent return as well, because as noted by the Content Marketing Institute, content marketing generates three times as many leads while costing 62 percent less, which can make a world of difference when trying to sell a $10,000 website. The mission here is to form yourself as a thought leader, which requires a little bit of creative thinking.
A secret to running a worthwhile blog for your web design business is giving away just enough to keep your potential clients intrigued, but not so much that they can go off and do it on their own. For example, you could write an article that proposes redesigning eCommerce as a means to refocus. The idea is that you’re trying to make the client believe that it was their idea the whole time, you just helped guide them in the right direction.
Push Your Company’s SEO
Another smart inbound strategy for bringing on more eCommerce clients is by pushing your SEO a little bit. As noted by Search Engine Journal, 51 percent of traffic comes from organic search, which is a lane of marketing you should be capturing. No worries if you’re unfamiliar with best practices for SEO because although it might seem like a lot of science, it’s more intuitive than you might imagine.
The name of the game with SEO is keywords, which when it comes to landing more eCommerce clients might require some creativity. After all, if you go too broad by trying to say “eCommerce web design,” then you’re running the risk of getting lost in the mix. That’s why playing up the specificity of your work might be helpful. For example, if I had a lot of experience in mobile buying apps for clothing companies, then “fashion custom app” or “clothing store app builder” might be good keywords to consider. Take your time in compiling which items you think would work best, as this is one that’s wise to build through time.
Keep Your Marketing Consistent
Finally, as you’re continuing to try and bring on more eCommerce clients, always be pushing your marketing efforts towards your goal. As noted by Shopify, eCommerce is a nearly $672 billion industry in the US alone, which means there’s a massive opportunity for you to go after. The hard part isn’t necessarily landing one client, but consistently keeping them in a row.
After you complete some eCommerce work, make sure to update your portfolio with the latest and greatest as it not only gives you a story to talk about/pitch but also enables to boost your price. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to reach out to companies that look interesting and you want to connect with (without seeming too pushy for sale). Although this might be a new practice for you, with time, it’ll become more natural, so stay patient until the right clients come.
What are some strategies you’ve found helpful in landing more eCommerce store clients? Comment with your answers below!